Ironman competitor Daniel Bretscher said he “hurt so good” shortly after finishing the race, wrecked physically and in disbelief that he had just won.
“It’s just an amazing feeling,” Bretscher said.
Eight years of training paid off for Bretscher of Mount Vernon, Iowa as he took first place in Madison’s Ironman competition Sunday with a course record of 8:31:20.
The competition consists of a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Monona, 112-mile bike in rural Dane County and 26.2 mile run ending near the state Capitol.
He said the countless lows during his training were worth it.
“You just improve little bits at a time,” Bretscher said.
Bretscher said he felt a big surge of adrenaline upon realizing he had a chance at the lead. However, his biggest low quickly followed.
“I had pushed really hard to get the lead, and my body just rebelled with about five miles to go,” Bretscher said. “There were a few minutes when I didn’t even know if I was going to finish, to be completely honest.”
He said he experienced “complete desperation” when faced with the possibility of not finishing when he was so close to winning. However, he persevered.
“We Ironman athletes, in a weird way, really enjoy the pain and the suffering,” Bretscher said. “It is a love-hate relationship, but the pain and suffering is what makes it feel so good when it’s all done.”
Third-place finisher Pedro Gomes also crossed the finish line to deafening cheers, something that would not have been possible a few months prior.
After suffering a stress fracture at the beginning of the season, Gomes lost eight months of training and had only four weeks to prepare for the event.
“The people from Wisconsin really embrace the race, and it just makes the run so much fun,” he said.
Gomes said he found running through the crowd to be exciting and looks forward to competing again next year. The triathlete offered encouragement for future racers.
“It’s meant to suck, but it will be worth it,” he said.
Ironman volunteer Rachel Larson commended Madison for its support of the runners.
“You really kind of have to come out and experience it for yourself,” Larson said.
